Fact Check: "Firefighters were shot at while battling a blaze in Idaho."
What We Know
On June 29, 2025, two firefighters were fatally shot while responding to a wildfire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Local authorities reported that a man armed with a rifle not only started the fire but also ambushed the firefighters, resulting in their deaths and injuring a third firefighter (NPR). Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed that the attack was intentional, describing it as a "total ambush" where the firefighters "did not have a chance" (BBC). The suspect, who was later found deceased near a firearm, is believed to be the only shooter involved in the incident (Reuters).
The timeline of events indicates that the first reports of the wildfire came in at 1:21 PM local time, with firefighters coming under gunfire shortly after at 2 PM (NPR). The sheriff's office stated that there was no ongoing threat to the community after the suspect was located (BBC).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that firefighters were shot at while battling a blaze in Idaho is robust. Multiple reputable sources, including NPR, BBC, and Reuters, have reported on the incident, confirming that the firefighters were ambushed by a gunman who had started the fire. The consistency across these reports adds to their credibility.
Sheriff Norris's statements provide critical context, emphasizing the intentional nature of the attack and the lack of preparedness among firefighters for such ambush situations (NPR, BBC). The confirmation of the suspect's death and the recovery of a weapon near his body further solidify the narrative that this was a targeted attack rather than an accidental shooting.
While some sources initially speculated about multiple shooters, later updates clarified that there was likely only one shooter involved, which aligns with the sheriff's final assessment (Reuters). This evolution in the narrative reflects the dynamic nature of the investigation and the importance of relying on confirmed information as it becomes available.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that firefighters were shot at while battling a blaze in Idaho is indeed true. The incident involved a deliberate ambush by a gunman who had started a fire, resulting in the tragic deaths of two firefighters and injuries to another. The corroborating reports from multiple reliable news outlets and the statements from law enforcement officials confirm the accuracy of this claim.
